Feather Plucking Problem

[rhschulz2000]

I am a first-time chicken owner, and have nine 12 week old Plymouth Rocks. Three white, three barred and three partridge (brown). The other six birds have started picking out the feathers on the three partridges, just behind the saddle. One bird they have gotten down to the skin. They seem to be eating the smaller feathers when they pull them out. What are my options to control/stop this?

Thanks for your response.

 

[Judy]

Feather plucking is usually considered to be caused by too little space, too little protein in the diet, or boredom. Sometimes they benefit from the addition of animal protein. But usually I think the solution is being able to get out and forage on grass, weeds, bugs, etc. It's a habit that can be almost impossible to break if it goes on long enough.

 

[ChicKat]

Just yesterday, I posted this--you may want to have a look:

https://www.backyardchickens.com/t/673137/device-to-stop-pecking#post_9089747

BTW, Lily laid her normal egg today---so she must not be too stressed.

 

[rhschulz2000]

Thanks so much. I was able to order them from England with no problem. I really appreciate your sharing your experience on the forum.

Bob

 

[ChicKat]

So glad that it will help others...as well as me.

Lily has continued to lay daily----and I fed her a grasshopper, which she was able to eat with her Bumper Bits on--- and things have been quite peaceful here of late.